10:53:49 PM
huffpost.com2 days ago

Trump Recession on the Horizon? The Wall Street Journal Sounds the Alarm

Even the Wall Street Journal's conservative board is urging Trump to ditch his tariffs, warning they could trigger a recession and hurt his own supporters. Is this a wake-up call the White House can't ignore?

Is a "Trump Recession" Looming?

The Wall Street Journal editorial board, not typically known for its anti-Trump stance, is raising serious concerns about the direction of the U.S. economy. In a recent opinion piece, they directly questioned: "Will There Be a Trump Recession?" [This isn't just idle speculation; it's a pointed warning.]

The newspaper highlighted "signs of a slowing economy" and urged the White House to reconsider its tariff policies.

Why Are Tariffs Triggering Recession Fears?

Economists are increasingly worried that Trump's "willy-nilly tariffs" will lead to:

  • Soaring inflation: Higher prices on imported goods will eat into consumers' purchasing power.
  • Wallet damage for Trump's base: Those who can least afford it will be hit hardest.
  • Business uncertainty: Companies are hesitant to invest amidst unpredictable trade policies.

The Journal points to several worrying indicators:

  • Slowing jobs report: Job creation is not as robust as it once was.
  • Decline in labor force participation: Fewer people are actively seeking work.
  • Rising consumer anxiety: People are feeling less secure about the future.

These factors, the Journal argues, "suggest slower growth ahead, even if the economy dodges recession." [Dodging isn't the same as avoiding. The threat is real.]

Is There Any Good News?

The editorial board acknowledges that Trump's policies aren't all bad. They concede that:

"Deregulation and an extension of the 2017 tax reform should buoy business investment over the long term."

However, they argue that the immediate damage caused by tariffs outweighs these potential benefits.

The Journal's Prescription: Ditch the Tariffs

The Wall Street Journal is crystal clear in its recommendation:

"If Mr. Trump wants to quiet recession alarm, he would be wise to put his tariff plans on the shelf."

[This is not a suggestion; it's a call to action. The stakes are too high to ignore.] The question now is: will the White House listen, or will it continue down a path that could lead to economic peril?